Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday (April 17, 2026) said a united Opposition defeated the attempt to “harm this country’s democracy, Constitution and federalism”. “We express heartfelt thanks to all the leaders of the opposition parties,” Mr. Kharge said in a post on X. He was reacting after a united Opposition defeated the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, which sought to redistribute Lok Sabha seats based on the 2011 Census to expedite the implementation of women’s reservation.

“We once again demand from the Modi government that, in accordance with the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam’ passed in 2023, 33% reservation for women be implemented starting from the 2029 elections,” he added.